Why do i need to build muscle?
There are many misconceptions regarding strength training and muscle building. Some of the things people say are:
“I don’t want to look bulky”“I just want to tone”“I don’t want to be a bodybuilder”“I don’t want to look manly”THESE THINGS DO NOT HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT AND THEY WILL NOT HAPPEN BY ENGAGING IN REGULAR STRENGTH TRAINING!
Building the amount of muscle that would lead to these things would take years of dedicated training and diet to obtain. Ask any bodybuilder and they will assure you they did not accidently wake up one day and look huge from lifting weights. 
Focusing on building muscle has tremendous benefit for every single living human at any age and done in a reasonable manner has a low risk of injury or health problems! Examples of these benefits are:
· Increased metabolism and fat loss
o Muscle takes more energy (calories) to maintain than fat, so having a greater muscle mass will increase the calories burned at rest just by living and breathing
o After a strength training session the body is burning calories at a higher rate for hours
o Increased muscle mass improves insulin sensitivity in the body and can help control blood sugar
· Better shape to the body
o Muscle is more dense than fat and takes up less space
o Developed muscles have curves and create lines
o Muscle will fill in the space where there is excess, saggy skin
· Support and protect the joints and bones
o Muscles moves the bones and the more developed and efficient they are they better they will move the body
o Training muscles improves balance and coordination
o Strength training workes muscles in full range of motion which will improve mobility
o Weight bearing activity is one of the safest ways to maintain or improve bone density
o A strong core supports and takes the stress off of the back
When the body moves with ease and efficiency, overall quality of life is improved. Everyday tasks are completed with less effort, and this will lead to feeling more energy! The benefits are numerous, and the risks (when done properly) are very low.
Strength training should be given priority in any health or exercise program.